Wilmington firefighter charged with arson

The Associated Press

JOLIET, Ill. — Arson charges have been filed against a Will County firefighter and another man who are accused of setting fire to a pickup truck and filing an insurance claim.

Authorities say 22-year-old Wilmington firefighter Ronald Armstrong "torched his own vehicle" then filed an insurance claim. Will County state's attorney spokesman Chuck Pelkie says a judge set bail for Armstrong at $100,000, which the firefighter posted Tuesday.

Pelkie says 31-year-old Jeremy Sorensen of Wilmington is also charged with felony arson. The two men are accused of setting fire to the pickup in February.

Wilmington Fire Protection District Chief Tim Zlomie says Armstrong was placed on administrative leave last week and will be dismissed.